Tularemia
Also called: Rabbit fever
Pathogen
Francisella tularensis
Carried by
American dog tick, lone star tick, Rocky Mountain wood tick
Tularemia is a serious bacterial infection that can be spread by several tick species as well as by handling infected animals (especially rabbits) or through deer-fly bites. It takes different forms depending on how the bacteria enter the body; the tick-associated form usually causes a skin ulcer with swollen nearby lymph nodes.
Symptoms
- Skin ulcer at the bite site with swollen lymph nodes (most common form)
- Sudden fever and chills
- Fatigue and muscle aches
- Pneumonia in severe (inhaled) forms
Testing
Antibody testing, culture (labs must be warned in advance because the bacteria are hazardous to handle), and PCR.
Labs often used in the Lyme community:
See our Testing Guide to understand your options.
Geography
Reported nationwide, concentrated in Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.
Explore the Where Ticks Live map to see what's carried in your region.
Treatment overview
Streptomycin or gentamicin are preferred; doxycycline or ciprofloxacin are alternatives. It's treatable but needs prompt, appropriate antibiotics.
Frequently asked questions
How do people get Tularemia?
Through tick bites, handling infected animals (notably rabbits), deer-fly bites, or inhaling the bacteria. It's often called 'rabbit fever' for this reason.